Vet warns all pet owners about product often used in winter

As cold weather has hit the UK, many of us have reached for antifreeze sprays. The handy product helps to remove ice from cars before getting out on the roads.

However, a veterinary nurse has now urged people to be extra careful with how they it. This is because the product can be extremely dangerous to animals that come into contact with it.

Taking to TikTok, expert Jade urged people to stay away from antifreeze products that contain ethylene glycol because these can harm your pets, or other furry friends in your neighbourhood.

She told her followers: “It’s absolutely freezing, and I just want to remind you guys that products containing ethylene glycol are highly toxic to cats.”

Ethylene glycol is a clear, sweet-tasting, viscous liquid used primarily as antifreeze or coolants in vehicles. It is also a raw material for polyester fibers, such as PET plastic. It’s poisionous if ingested, especially for cats.

The RSPCA warns it often causes severe kidney damage and can even kill cats within 24 hours. It can also be fatal for dogs and other pets.

A lethal dose for an average cat is only 1-2 teaspoons, making immediate veterinary care crucial within 12 hours of exposure in order to save the pet.

Jade went on to explain that cats love to drink this because of how sweet it is – and it’s not just sipping it directly from the bottle that’s dangerous.

Jade explained that if you spray products like anti-freeze over your car, it can run off the car and contaminate a nearby puddle.

She explained: “And [if the cats] drink out of the puddle, they can also get toxicity through there as well.”

Jade then urged people to avoid using products with ethylene glycol, like de-icing sprays, if you can. Instead, she recommends using an ice scraper to tackle frosty windows.

Even if it means spending an extra 10-15 minutes to defrost your car every morning, you could end up saving a pet.

She added: “If you have got a cat and you’re thinking ‘what can I do to protect him from ethylene glycol poisoning?’

“In all honesty, if your cat goes outside, there’s not a lot you can do. That’s apart from keeping them indoors during these really coldweathers where people are likely going to be using anti-freeze.

“But for some people, that is not an option. So all that you can really do is be vigilant for signs of toxicity, which can be vomiting, seizures, collapse, drinking more. And if you notice any of these symptoms, get your cat to the vet as soon as possible.”

RSPCA’s tips to protect cats from antifreeze

The RSPCA reported that pets die every year from accidental antifreeze poisonings, often from leaks or spills. But they went on to say that most of these deaths are preventable. The organisation went on to share their tips on how to best protect your cat from poisoning.

Firstly, check your car regularly to make sure it isn’t leaking water coolant. You should also be careful with where you’re storing, using and disposing of antifreeze and water coolant.

If you notice a spill or leak, it’s important to clean it up immedietly. No matter how small the spill might be, make sure no pets can get to the area until the area is cleaned up again.

Finally, if you need to dispose of any dangerous products, the RSPCA says to do it responsably. Contact your local authority for advice if you don’t know where to do this.